Proclamation 5300 -- National Big Brothers and Big Sisters Week, 1985

February 11, 1985
By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

No task is more important to the future of our society than raising the next generation. And few
volunteer organizations have done more over the years to help our Nation perform that task
successfully than the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. These are men and women who
take time from their own responsibilities and families to offer a helping hand to young people in
need. Big Brothers and Big Sisters offer youngsters support, counseling, and -- most important of
all -- friendship.

The spirit of voluntarism exemplified by this organization is the foundation of our way of life.
Americans have always been a compassionate and decent people, and they have never waited for
directions from government before devoting their time and energy to helping their neighbors. The
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America are adding new luster to this old tradition.

The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 594, has designated the week of February 17 through
February 23, 1985, as a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers who give their time to
become Big Brothers and Big Sisters to youths in need of adult companionship and authorized
and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim the period from February 17 through February 23, 1985, as ``National Big Brothers and
Big Sisters Week.'' I call upon the people of the United States and local and national
governmental officials to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of February, in the year of
our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and ninth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:06 p.m., February 12, 1985]

Note: The proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on February 12.